The first step in becoming a certified diver is the PADI Open Water Scuba Course. Classes start on a regular basis or if you have limited time, private classes are available. Start your new underwater adventures TODAY!
The Gulf is loaded with fish, natural and artificial reefs and wrecks in water from 15 to 100 feet deep. We run 2 boats to take you out for your dives. Or, if the weather is inclement, we are lucky to have 2 freshwater springs within an hour from Destin.
WEEKEND CLASS FORMAT
1st Weekend
- Sat. morning - classroom review & quizzes
- Sat. afternoon - pool dives
- Sun. morning - classroom review & quizzes
- Sun. afternoon - pool dives
- Sat. morning - Open Water dives 1 & 2 and final exam
- Sun. afternoon - Open Water dives 3 & 4
Best Deal - Includes 8 Dives
The class is only 4 days(2 days in class & pool - 2 days of open water diving) and the average day is from 8:30 to 3:30. Weekends or weekdays are popular classes - and we have a new class almost every week! The big saltwater pool is on site - 14 feet deep and warm year round. The cost of this option is $350 plus the book pack ($59). Included is the classroom sessions, instructor, pool dives and 8 open water dives, boat trips, SCUBA equipment during class and certification card. You will need to have your own mask, snorkel and fins (discounts are given to students).
Online Classroom Option
This option allows you to complete all the classroom requirements on your own time - online. After that, your confined and open water dives need to be made. Log on to PADI’s website https://www.padi.com/elearning-scuba-registration/default.aspx?irra=19776 and sign up for $120. (With this option, you don’t need to buy the entire $59 crew pack, but you will need a log book & RDP). We spend 3-4 days completing 5 confined water dives and 4 open water dives - depending on ability and weather. The cost of e-Learners is $325 to join a regular class or $525 for your pick of any 3 days. Included are your pool dives, 4 open water dives, all SCUBA equipment during class, instructor, boat trips and certification card. Only items not included are personal gear of mask, snorkel & fins (discounts are given to students).
Referral Option
You may start your SUBA class at home and make the dives here in Destin!
We will basically pick up where your Instructor left off. We spend 2 afternoons making 4 open water dives at depths between 15 and 60 feet. Included in the $225 fee is your 4 open water dives, instructor, boat trips and certification card. Rental gear for the 2 days is an extra $50.
You will need to bring your referral letter, along with the Medical Form, especially if you had to see a Doctor for permission to dive. If you have family that would like to go out with you on the first day (shallow dives) they can come along as a snorkeler and watch you dive! This trip is $30, all inclusive.
How to get started
The first step in the process is to either buy your PADI Open Water Crew pack or sign up online. You need to read the book before the class (we will review the material). We will also loan you the PADI Open Water DVD. If you prefer online, you will be asked to choose a dive center to work with. Make sure you list Emerald Coast Scuba #19776.
Still not sure?
Grab your bathing suit, come to the dive shop and for $45 you can make a dive in our awesome pool! In one hour we will answer a lot of your questions about scuba diving. It is a fun, inexpensive way to Discover Scuba!
Please let us know if you have more questions. We are happy to help you on your way to becoming a PADI Open Water Certified Diver!